21 May 2013 Last updated at 09:02 ET

Madagascar profile

Military recruits being trained in farming as part of a programme to improve Madagascar's food security Though rich in unique wildlife, Madagascar is poor with 70% of Malagasy living on less than $1 a day
  • Full name: Republic of Madagascar
  • Population: 21.9 million (UN, 2012)
  • Capital: Antananarivo
  • Area: 587,041 sq km (226,658 sq miles)
  • Major languages: Malagasy (official), French
  • Major religions: Indigenous beliefs, Christianity
  • Life expectancy: 65 years (men), 69 years (women) (UN)
  • Monetary unit: Ariary
  • Main exports: Vanilla, coffee, seafood, cloves, petroleum products, chromium, fabrics
  • GNI per capita: US $430 (World Bank, 2011)
  • Internet domain: .mg
  • International dialling code: +261

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